The SIP shockabsorbers have received official type-approval. The shockabsorbers got the German KBA numbers. They managed all the necessary tests for a legal road-use on German roads. For sure, this will help also to legalize it in other countries.

On the basis of a German development we are now able to present a modern and innovative suspension which catapults the Vespa straight into the 'here and now'! The result is the SIP PERFORMANCE range of shock absorbers from precisely CNC milled construction elements, almost unlimited settings options and a range of additional gimmicks. All of the experience we have gained over 30 years was incorporated in the development. Prior to entering batched production, the SIP Performance shock absorbers were also tested at clutch and suspension specialists Sachs (since 2001, ZF Friedrichshafen AG) in Schweinfurt. Bitubos and similar gas pressure shock absorbers were used as objects of comparison. The test results supported our initial work and the idealistic conception of a Vespa shock absorber.

Features such as the continuously variable spring preload, a genuinely progressive spring and adjustable rebound damping are just a part of the sophisticated features. Technical refinements such as a 14,0 mm thick rise bar, hardened light weight materials and an additional guide plate for the upper rubber bearings all provide additional stability in the suspension. High quality materials are as straightforward as the precise and detailed CNC production and a perfect finish including surface protection. A comprehensive fixings kit for the lower engine fastening is included in the delivery of the SIP Rear Shock Absorber unit. This kit contains nuts and bolts suitable for all common lower engine fastening sizes (M9 and M10). We also include spacer washers in order to compensate for the varying production tolerance guidelines of the different producers of steering columns and shock absorber fixings.

With this second generation 2.0 series, the shock absorbers were primarily designed with the emphasis on touring set ups. They provide a more comfortable ride over long distances and badly maintained roads. The piston shaft diameter has been increased to 14mm, the lower fixing eyelets beefed up and the inner workings and overall design have also been redeveloped. The settings extend from maximum comfort to race-track stiffness.

Spring preload: The continuously variable spring preload means the shock absorber springs can be given a tighter basic setting - the forces compressing the spring thus meet an early counterforce. The spring preload occurs via counter rings, which, when effectively counter-rotated, guarantee an effective degree of safety against unwanted adjustments. The adjustment tool is naturally also supplied.

Progressive springs: Our shock absorbers are also equipped with a progressive spring which means the clearances between the spring coils become progressively lower (progressive). Only progressively coiled springs permit a genuinely comfortable response when braking or riding either with luggage or a passenger, which means the spring initially responds very sensitively but gets 'stiffer' in the case of further spring compression/loading. In order to be able to tailor their individual performance to cater for the larger riders amongst us, or other heavy loads, we also have a selection of springs available in varying stiffness’s and colours.

Setting the rebound damping: The rebound damping gives a positive finish to the overall picture and influences the extension characteristics of the shock absorber, which means it regulates the response when driving over uneven road surfaces and potholes and also when braking. Depending on the model between 10 and 20 different possible settings ('clicks') for the rebound level are available. On turning the rebound damping in a clockwise direction the damping level increases, when turning it in an anticlockwise direction it lessens (direction of view = plan view).

Info: On the Grimeca disc brakes it may be necessary to adjust the shock absorber attachment slightly. The ex-works plastic coating often has very big variations in terms of the thickness of the coating. This is straightforward and easy to do by yourself.

SIP has been successfully verified by the German ministry of transport and is now officially recognized as approved vehicle component manufacturer. The SIP shockabsorbers has also received official type-approval. From august 2015 on, the shockabsobers SIP 76000 got the German KBA number 91475. They managed all the necessary tests for a legal road-use on German roads. For sure, this will help also to legalize it in other countries.

Conclusion: A successful alternative to conventional shock absorbers which not only convince thanks to their technical features but also through their style and their design quality.

To receive the best possible performance from these shock absorbers, it is essential to set them up correctly. To help you find the best settings for your requirements CLICK HERE.

SIP-TIPP: there are steering columns and distance bushings for the rear shock absorber by various manufacturers and with different tolerances. If there is a clearance between the shock absorber and the seating, please adjust this clearance by using the adjusting washer kit 0.25 and 0.5mm at the front as well as by using a washer at the rear. Customers purchasing a SIP Performance shock absorber will get the adjusting washer kit for free.

Mike Betz, German Scooter Forum, August 2010:

"This weekend the Berlin GP took place on a track that was literally made of bumps and potholes. I easily won both races and drove top times on my standard class scooter, even faster than most of the Falcs and Quattrinis. This was certainly due to the new suspension. After a little adjustment, the scooter was running as smoothly as a train on tracks. The force is strong with the rear SIP shock and its new -20% spring!"

Dirk Schlemme, German Scootermagazine VESPINA - August´2010:

"I fit some Performance - Shock absorbers on PX modells the last weeks for good friends and I have to say - these shock absorbers are the best which you can get at the moment!"

"WOW! Comparable to the original like night can be compared to day! All negative effects just fade away from the suspension set up. Already at lower speeds the scooter feels more solid, safer and somehow also bigger. The first real eye-opener came while testing the emergency braking procedure as the scooter no longer required a few yards reaction distance between activation of the brakes before diving rapidly towards the tarmac, as can be the case with a tired standard suspension set up. The dive effect is effectively eliminated, providing a greater feeling of safety and improving the Vespa's overall handling characteristics no-end. This feeling of increased safety is especially noticeable on more uneven riding surfaces. The tyre remains in contact with the road, the dampers react more effectively and remain stiff with no loss in rider comfort. The progressively wound springs contribute to this positive result, creating gradually more pressure, the further the unit is compressed. All curves and bends are also a dream to ride through with the SIP Performance shockers. Providing the tyres fitted are also of good quality, the handling in long fast curves becomes more solid and calmer, making the V 50 we tested them on an even better inner city runabout!"